Croydon (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Croydon are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Croydon's population is estimated at around 31,195 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,587 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 28,608. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 30,280 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024, and an additional 581 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,212 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Croydon's growth of 9.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 4.9%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate an above median growth for the suburb of Croydon (Vic.), with an expected increase of 4,478 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 11.3% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Croydon when compared nationally

Croydon has seen around 169 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 845 homes. As of FY26, there have been 40 approvals recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 accommodated about 1.3 new residents annually. However, this figure has risen to 7.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing demand in the area. The average construction value of development projects is $540,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments.

This year alone, Croydon has seen $72.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Croydon shows moderately higher construction activity over the past five years, providing good buyer choice and supporting property values. However, development activity has slowed in recent periods. The new building activity is composed of 42% detached houses and 58% attached dwellings, a shift from the current housing mix which is predominantly houses (84%). This trend reflects reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands.

By 2041, Croydon is forecasted to gain around 3,532 residents based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct, Croydon Main Street Revitalisation, 295 Mt Dandenong Road Residential Development, and The Outlook Croydon North. The following list details 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.

Employment conditions in Croydon remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Croydon has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.7%, and there was an estimated 1.1% employment growth over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, 15,652 residents are employed, mirroring Greater Melbourne's 4.7% unemployment rate but with lower workforce participation at 64.8%.

Home workership is high at 30.3%, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 3.1% versus the regional average of 5.2%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, labour force by 1.0%, with unemployment remaining stable (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment increase slightly to 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Croydon's industry mix indicates local employment could grow by 6.6% in five years and 13.7% in ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Croydon suburb's income level is approximately average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Croydon is $54,990 and average income stands at $67,110, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ended 30 June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $59,527 (median) and $72,647 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Croydon, between the 42nd and 52nd percentiles. Income distribution reveals that the predominant cohort spans 32.2% of locals (10,044 people) in the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, similar to the region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Croydon is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Croydon's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.5% houses and 16.5% other dwellings. In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Croydon stood at 33.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.4% and rented ones at 27.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,985, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent in Croydon was $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Croydon's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,985 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 than the national figure of $375.

Croydon features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.2% of all households, including 29.2% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Croydon exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

In Croydon, 30.3% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.3% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (21.4%). Educational participation is high, with 26.8% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.1% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Croydon has 145 active public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are served by 31 individual routes that collectively facilitate 6,431 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 236 meters, indicating good accessibility. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 88%, with trains accounting for 6%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 30.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 918 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops relative to a specified location centrepoint.

Health outcomes in Croydon are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Croydon's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among residents is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 53% of the total population (~16,648 people), slightly leading the average SA2 area rate of 50%. This compares to Greater Melbourne's rate of 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.0 and 8.4% of residents respectively. 66.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes among the working-age population in Croydon are broadly typical. The area has 22.5% of residents aged 65 and over (7,018 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Croydon was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Croydon's population shows high cultural diversity, with 26.3% born overseas and 19.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Croydon at 45.8%. The 'Other' religious category is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne (1.4% vs 2.3%).

In terms of ancestry, English (27.3%) and Australian (24.0%) groups are substantially higher than regional averages (20.1% and 18.4% respectively). Other notable differences include Dutch (2.2% vs 1.2%), Sri Lankan (0.4% vs 0.8%), and Hungarian (0.3% vs 0.3%) groups in Croydon compared to regional averages.

Croydon's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Croydon is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Croydon has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.8% locally vs. the Greater Melbourne average), while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (13.0%). Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.1% to 8.8%, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 14.2% to 13.0%, and the 0 to 4 group has dropped from 6.5% to 5.4%. Population forecasts for Croydon in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 34%, reaching 3,691 people from 2,745. This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who will represent 62% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are expected to experience population declines.