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 May 2026, the population of the suburb of Coolaroo is estimated at around 3,241 people. This reflects an increase of 48 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,193 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 3,240 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,032 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, significant population increase is forecasted for the suburb of Coolaroo. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to grow by 1,166 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 36.0% in total over the 16 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Coolaroo shows an average of approximately 13 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 67 homes. As of FY26, six approvals have been recorded so far. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting that new supply may be keeping up with demand and providing good choice for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $356,000. In this financial year, $51.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Coolaroo has markedly lower building activity, with 67.0% fewer approvals 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 for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 91.0% houses.

Around 508 people per dwelling approval reside in Coolaroo, indicating a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Coolaroo is expected to grow by approximately 1,165 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects impacting the area, including Upfield Line Duplication and Extension to Roxburgh Park (2018-2025), Time & Place Campbellfield Industrial Development (2020-present), Assembly Broadmeadows (2019-present), and Meadow Heights Shopping Centre Redevelopment (2021-2023).

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Coolaroo faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Coolaroo has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 12.9% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 3.6%. As of December 2025, 1,020 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 8.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation lags at 44.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, only 13.0% of residents work from home. The key industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing. Transport, postal & warehousing is particularly strong with an employment share twice the regional level, while professional & technical services have a limited presence at 4.8%.

There are 1.1 workers per resident, indicating Coolaroo functions as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.6% while labour force decreased by 0.3%, leading to a 3.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4%, labour force expansion of 2.8%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, employment should increase by 5.9% in Coolaroo, and over ten years, it is projected to grow by 12.6%.

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

The suburb of Coolaroo has a median taxpayer income of $39,604 and an average income of $47,950 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is below the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $43,414 (median) and $52,563 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Coolaroo all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $800 - $1,499 earnings band captures 29.2% of the community (946 individuals), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 band dominates with 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 structure, 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 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolaroo stood at 37.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented ones at 31.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,324, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Coolaroo was $335, compared to Melbourne metro's $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 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 the remaining 27.6%, consisting of 24.0% lone person households and 3.2% group households. 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 at 4.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 25.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 16.9%. Educational participation is high, with 31.8% of residents 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

The analysis of public transport in Coolaroo indicates that there are currently 43 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 9 individual routes providing service to the community. The weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 3,626. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent in Coolaroo, with residents typically located approximately 144 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car, used by 80% of residents, while train usage stands at 14%.

On average, there are 1.3 vehicles owned per dwelling in Coolaroo. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 13.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect conditions related to COVID-19. The service frequency averages 518 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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 per AreaSearch's assessment released on 23rd May 20XX. The area has a considerably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average, particularly amongst older age groups. Approximately 46% (~1,487 people) have private health cover, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and mental health issues (7.9%). Conversely, 66.8% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age residents are generally similar to broader trends. However, Coolaroo has a higher proportion of seniors at 19.8% (641 people) compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. While health outcomes for seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally than the overall 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's population is culturally diverse, 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. Islam is notably overrepresented in Coolaroo, comprising 35.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestral groups are Other (42.3%), Australian (15.5%), and English (12.4%). Notably, Lebanese, Maltese, and Vietnamese ethnicities have higher representations than regional averages: Lebanese at 7.0% vs 0.8%, Maltese at 1.9% vs 1.1%, and Vietnamese at 2.1% vs 1.9%.

Coolaroo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Coolaroo has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 7.7%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.6%. Between 2021 and now, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.1% to 14.0%. However, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Coolaroo's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 47%, adding 164 people and reaching a total of 511 from its current figure of 346.