Coolaroo

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Coolaroo is around 3,675, reflecting a 15.1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,193 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,593 based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 1,170 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coolaroo's growth rate exceeded both national (8.9%) and state averages, primarily driven by overseas migration contributing around 77% of overall population gains. AreaSearch uses 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels.

Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Cooloroo is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 1,212 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 22.4% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Coolaroo averaged around 15 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 77 homes. As of FY26, seven approvals have been recorded. Population decline in the area suggests demand has likely been met by new supply, offering buyers good choice. The average construction cost value for new homes is $356,000, under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices.

This financial year has seen $29.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Coolaroo records lower building activity, 63.0% below the regional average per person. 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, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 91.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 326 people per dwelling approval, Coolaroo shows a developing market.

AreaSearch projects Coolaroo to grow by 824 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Eight projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These key projects include Upfield Corridor - Rail Extension to Roxburgh Park, Time & Place Campbellfield Industrial Development, Assembly Broadmeadows, and North Melbourne Logistics Hub. The following list details those projects likely to be of most relevance.

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 both white and blue collar jobs, predominantly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 15.6% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.0%. Compared to Greater Melbourne's unemployment rate of 4.6%, Coolaroo has room for improvement with a rate of 11.0%. Workforce participation is significantly lower, at 39.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing.

The area has notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. Professional & technical employs just 4.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. As at the Census, there are 1.1 workers for every resident, indicating that Coolaroo functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0% and labour force increased by 5.2%, resulting in a rise of unemployment by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Coolaroo. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Coolaroo's employment mix suggests local employment should 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 2022 shows that income in Coolaroo is below the national average. The median assessed income is $39,604 and the average income stands at $47,950. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $44,420 (median) and $53,781 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Coolaroo all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. The data shows that the largest segment comprises 29.2% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (1,073 residents), contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are 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

Coolaroo's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.4% houses and 8.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolaroo stood at 37.8%, with mortgaged properties at 30.6% and rented dwellings at 31.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,324, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,834. Median weekly rent in Coolaroo 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 make up 27.6%, consisting of 24.0% lone person households and 3.2% group households. 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%, considerably 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (16.9%). Educational participation is high at 31.8%, including 10.0% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 4.9% in tertiary education.

Coolaroo South Primary School and St Mary's Coptic Orthodox College serve a total of 1,244 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 961) with balanced educational opportunities. It functions as an education hub with 33.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 17.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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 operating in Coolaroo, including a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 9 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6,122 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 144 metres from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 874 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 145 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

Health data shows significant health challenges in Coolaroo with a notably higher prevalence of common conditions compared to average figures, particularly among older age groups. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% (1,686 people), which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 49.1%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.5% and 7.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 66.8% reported no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 76.3%. Coolaroo has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.5% (716 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.8%. Health outcomes among seniors require particular attention due to these challenges.

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 culturally diverse population, with 49.1% born overseas and 63.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 39.9% of residents. Islam is overrepresented in Coolaroo compared to Greater Melbourne, with 35.7% versus 24.1%.

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 4.2%, 1.8%, and 0.9% respectively.

Coolaroo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Coolaroo's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely aligning with Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age bracket accounts for 7.6% of Coolaroo's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's proportion. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 13.5%, lower than Greater Melbourne's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 12.6% to 13.4% of Coolaroo's population, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Coolaroo's age structure. Notably, the 65-74 group is projected to grow by 51%, adding 156 people to reach 465 from 308. The 65+ population will account for 52% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is expected to grow modestly at 3%, adding only 7 residents.