Croydon (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Croydon are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Croydon (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is around 31,170. This reflects an increase of 2,562 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 28,608. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 30,280 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 571 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,210 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Croydon (Vic.) (SA2) experienced a growth of 9.0% since the 2021 census, exceeding the SA4 region's 4.9% and marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, primarily driving the area's population growth.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to grow by 4,479 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.4% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Croydon has averaged around 169 new dwelling approvals each year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 845 homes were approved, with a further 40 approved in FY26 to date. This results in approximately 308 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Over the past five financial years, there has been an average of 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed.

However, this rate has intensified to 7.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. Development projects in Croydon have averaged $540,000 in construction value, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have also been $72.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting robust local business investment. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Croydon records elevated construction activity at 32.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. Recent construction comprises 42.0% detached houses and 58.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 84.0% houses.

This change may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Looking ahead, Croydon is expected to grow by 3,558 residents through to 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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 that could affect this region. Notable projects 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 essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0% over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 15,639 residents are in work, and the unemployment rate aligns with Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment levels are particularly notable at 1.2 times the regional average.

In contrast, transport, postal & warehousing employs just 3.1% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force increased by 1.0%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Croydon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that median income in Croydon suburb is $54,990. Average income stands at $67,110. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.25% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $59,527 and average income $72,647 by that period. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Croydon rank modestly, between the 42nd and 52nd percentiles. Income analysis reveals 32.2% of Croydon's population (10,036 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to surrounding regions at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. Croydon's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Croydon is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Croydon, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.5% houses and 16.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Croydon was at 33.1%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (39.4%) or rented (27.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,985, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Croydon was recorded at $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $385. Nationally, Croydon's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Croydon's residents aged 15+ have university degrees at a rate of 30.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common (19.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 33.3% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 21.4%. Educational participation is high, with 26.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.1% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 4.2% pursuing 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 146 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 31 routes that facilitate 6,431 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance residents live from the nearest stop is 236 meters, indicating good transport accessibility.

On average, there are 918 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Croydon is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Croydon faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover in Croydon is approximately 53%, leading that of the average SA2 area (~16,635 people). Mental health issues impact 9.0% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.4%. Sixty-six point seven percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.7% across Greater Melbourne. Twenty-one point eight percent of residents are aged 65 and over (6,795 people), higher than the 19.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 was found to be more culturally diverse than most other local areas, with 26.3% born overseas and 19.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Croydon, accounting for 45.8% of its population. The category 'Other' showed an overrepresentation in Croydon compared to Greater Melbourne, with 1.4% versus 1.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.3%), Australian (24.0%), and Other (9.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Dutch was slightly overrepresented at 2.2% compared to 2.1% regionally, Sri Lankan was underrepresented at 0.4% versus 0.5%, and Hungarian representation remained similar at 0.3%.

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

The median age in Croydon is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Croydon at 8.3%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.6%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 7.1% to 8.3% of Croydon's population, while the 0-4 age cohort has decreased from 6.5% to 5.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Croydon. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 43%, adding 1,102 people and reaching a total of 3,690 from the current 2,587. This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who will represent 65% of the anticipated population increase. Conversely, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.