Craigieburn

Craigieburn lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Craigieburn's population is estimated at around 72,605 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a growth of 7,427 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 65,178. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 71,336 residents following examination of ABS's June 2024 ERP data release and an additional 698 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,048 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Craigieburn's growth rate of 11.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, Craigieburn is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 49,739 persons, reflecting an increase of 66.8% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

The level of residential development activity in Craigieburn was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Craigieburn has experienced around 363 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1,816 homes were approved, with an additional 91 approved in FY-26 to date. This results in an average of 4.8 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

Commercial approvals registered this financial year total $57.1 million, reflecting high local commercial activity. However, Craigieburn shows substantially reduced construction compared to Greater Melbourne, with 56.0% fewer approvals per person. Recent construction comprises 77.0% detached houses and 23.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban character. With around 319 people per dwelling approval, Craigieburn is developing a market for housing.

By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Craigieburn will grow by approximately 48,470 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially impacting buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 57 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include True North Estate, Merrifield City Centre, Aston Square Neighbourhood Centre, and The Base Craigieburn. Below is a list detailing those likely to be 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.

Craigieburn shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Craigieburn has a well-educated workforce. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented with an unemployment rate of 6.4%. There has been relative employment stability over the past year according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, there were 35,110 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 1.7% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 69.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing.

The area had particular employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical employed just 5.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.3% while labour force decreased by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.9 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Craigieburn. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, were mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Craigieburn's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Craigieburn had a median taxpayer income of $52,706 and an average of $60,642. This is lower than the national average. Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest Craigieburn's median taxpayer income would be approximately $57,054 and the average $65,645 by September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, Craigieburn's household income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($1,798 weekly) and personal income at the 28th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 40.0% of Craigieburn's population (29,042 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Craigieburn, with only 80.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile.

Craigieburn is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Craigieburn's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.2% houses and 10.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Craigieburn was at 15.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.3% and rented ones at 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,850, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent was $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Craigieburn's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents higher at $375.

Craigieburn features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 84.2% of all households, including 53.4% couples with children, 16.9% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 15.8%, with lone person households at 13.4% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 3.3 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Craigieburn aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Craigieburn's residents aged 15 and above have 27.3% with university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 30.2% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 17.8%. Educational participation is high, with 36.4% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.2% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Craigieburn has 205 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 17 routes, providing 9,210 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have good accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 222 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 87%, while trains account for 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,315 trips per day, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Craigieburn's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Craigieburn's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~36,919 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 5.9 and 5.1% of residents respectively. 79.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 8.8% of residents aged 65 and over (6,389 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Craigieburn has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 50.8% of its residents born overseas and 62.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Craigieburn, accounting for 43.7% of the population. However, the category 'Other' is significantly overrepresented, comprising 10.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are 'Other' at 38.7%, Australian at 13.0%, and English at 10.9%. These figures differ notably from regional averages: Other is higher (38.7% vs 14.6%), Australian is lower (13.0% vs 18.4%), and English is also lower (10.9% vs 20.1%). Certain ethnic groups are notably overrepresented, including Indian at 10.8%, Samoan at 1.7%, and Sri Lankan at 1.4%.

Craigieburn hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Craigieburn has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Craigieburn has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.5%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (2.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 4.6% to 5.7%, while the 15-24 age group increased from 13.1% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 17.0% to 14.3%, and the 0-4 age group dropped from 8.7% to 7.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Craigieburn, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 cohort (98%), adding 8,550 residents to reach a total of 17,263.