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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Craigiebburn's estimated population as of May 2026 is around 71,986. This reflects a growth of 6,808 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 65,178. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 71,932 residents in June 2025 and an additional 712 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,030 persons per square kilometer. Craigieburn's growth rate of 10.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the state average of 9.3%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas from 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Craigieburn is projected to expand by 47,419 persons, reflecting a total increase of 65.8% over the 16 years. This places Craigieburn in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch for population growth.

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, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Craigieburn has experienced around 363 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1,816 homes were approved, with an additional 111 so far in FY-26. This results in an estimated average of 4.7 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over these years.

Given the significant demand exceeding new supply, this typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $390,000. In FY-26, $57.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Craigieburn shows substantially reduced construction, with 56.0% below the regional average per person.

This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 77.0% detached houses and 23.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an emphasis on detached housing. With around 318 people per dwelling approval, Craigieburn shows a developing market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Craigieburn to grow by 47,365 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 55 projects expected to impact the area. Notable ones include True North Estate, Merrifield City Centre, Aston Square Neighbourhood Centre, and The Base Craigieburn. Below is a list of 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. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 6.4%.

Employment stability has been relative over the past year. AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data indicates this. As of December 2025, 35,109 residents are employed. The unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 18.5% of residents work from home. Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered when interpreting this figure. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area has a particular specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. Professional & technical employs only 5.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.3% while labour force decreased by 0.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and an increase in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Craigieburn. These projections estimate national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Craigieburn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years. This is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for 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 indicates Craigieburn's median income among taxpayers is $52,706 and the average is $60,642. These figures are lower than national averages. Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $57,776 (median) and $66,476 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Craigieburn's household income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($1,798 weekly), while personal income is at the 28th percentile. Income analysis shows that 40.0% of Craigieburn's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which aligns with regional trends (32.8%). Housing affordability pressures are severe in Craigieburn, with only 80.7% of income remaining, 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 structure, as per the latest Census, was 89.2% houses and 10.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Craigieburn stood at 15.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.3% and rented ones at 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,850, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Craigieburn was $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Craigieburn's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 constitute the remaining 15.8%, with lone person households at 13.4% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is 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+ have lower university degree holders (27.3%) compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (17.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 30.2% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (17.8%). Educational participation is high at 36.4%, with 13.2% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.4% of residents 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, together providing 9,210 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents typically located 222 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Craigieburn's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 87%, while train accounts for 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,315 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to Craigieburn's location centrepoint.

Craigieburn's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Craigieburn's health data shows positive results, with AreaSearch's analysis indicating mortality rates and health conditions are largely on par with national averages. Common health conditions are relatively low among Craigieburn's general population but higher in older, at-risk cohorts compared to the national average.

Approximately 51% of Craigieburn's total population (~36,604 people) has private health cover, lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.9% and 5.1% of residents respectively, while 79.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Craigieburn has 8.5% of residents aged 65 and over (6,118 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. 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's population is highly diverse, with 50.8% born overseas and 62.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 43.7%. The 'Other' category comprises 10.4%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' leads with 38.7%, much higher than the regional average of 14.6%. Australian ancestry is lower at 13.0%, compared to 18.4% regionally. English ancestry also stands at 10.9%, below the regional average of 20.1%. Notably, Indian (10.8%), Samoan (1.7%), and Sri Lankan (1.4%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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

Craigieburn's median age is 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Craigieburn has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.3%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (2.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population share of those aged 45-54 has increased from 10.9% to 12.0%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 17.0% to 14.9%, and the percentage of those aged 0-4 has dropped from 8.7% to 7.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Craigieburn, with the strongest projected growth occurring among residents aged 45-54, who are expected to increase by 98%, adding 8,446 residents to reach a total of 17,085.