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 was 72,605 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 65,178 people, a rise of 7,427 (11.4%). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 71,336 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 2,048 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Craigieburn's growth exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages since the 2021 census. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 used VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting with weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population projections indicate exceptional growth, placing Craigieburn in the top 10 percent of analysed statistical areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 50,058 persons, reflecting a total increase of 67.5% over the 17 years.

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

Craigieburn has seen approximately 363 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,818 homes were approved, with an additional 92 in FY-26. Each new dwelling attracts about 4.8 new residents per year on average during these years.

This high demand coupled with limited supply typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition, with new dwellings valued at approximately $390,000 each. Commercial activity is also robust, with $57.1 million in approvals registered in FY-26. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Craigieburn has significantly lower construction levels, which can reinforce demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Recent construction consists of 77% detached houses and 23% attached dwellings, maintaining the suburb's suburban character.

With around 318 people per dwelling approval, Craigieburn indicates a growing market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Craigieburn's population will grow by approximately 48,975 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with this growth, potentially intensifying 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 has identified 57 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include True North Estate, Merrifield City Centre, Aston Square Neighbourhood Centre, and The Base Craigieburn. Below is a list detailing 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.

The labour market performance in Craigieburn lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Craigieburn's workforce is well-educated with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.6% as of September 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, 35,137 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Based on Census responses in 2025, 18.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing. Craigieburn has a significant specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level, while professional & technical services employ only 5.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force grew by 2.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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's median income among taxpayers is $52,706. The average income in the suburb is $60,642. Nationally, both figures are lower than average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Craigieburn's median income would be approximately $57,054 and the average would be around $65,645 as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household income in Craigieburn ranks at the 53rd percentile with a weekly income of $1,798. Personal income ranks 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, which is also the region where this cohort represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures in Craigieburn are severe, 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 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, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Craigieburn was $380, slightly higher than the national average of $375 but lower than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Craigieburn's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 15.8%, with lone person households at 13.4% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. 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 trail residents aged 15+ have 27.3% university degrees compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are 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, with advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 17.8%. Educational participation is high, with 36.4% currently enrolled in formal education: 13.2% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 5.0% in 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 serviced by 17 routes providing 9,210 weekly passenger trips. 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%, with trains used by 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, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,315 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 44 weekly trips per individual stop. The map shows 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are typical of the general population, but higher among older cohorts compared to the national average.

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 in Craigieburn are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.9 and 5.1% of residents respectively. 79.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. As of June 30, 2021, Craigieburn has 8.7% of residents aged 65 and over (6,316 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally compared to 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 most culturally diverse populations 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 'Other' category is substantially 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 significantly from regional averages: Other is substantially higher (38.7% vs 14.6%), Australian notably lower (13.0% vs 18.4%), and English also notably lower (10.9% vs 20.1%). Additionally, certain ethnic groups are notably overrepresented in Craigieburn: Indian at 10.8% (vs regional average of 4.2%), Samoan at 1.7% (vs 0.3%), and Sri Lankan at 1.4% (vs 0.8%).

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 (2.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 4.6% to 5.7%, while the 45-54 age group has increased from 10.9% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 17.0% to 14.3%, and the 0-4 age group has decreased 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 age cohort, expected to increase by 99% to reach 17,308 residents.