Deer Park

Deer Park has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population for the suburb of Deer Park is around 18,532. This figure reflects an increase of 387 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,145. The recent resident population estimate of 18,512 by AreaSearch was derived from the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,159 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, they are utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Deer Park is expected to experience an above median population growth. By 2041, it is projected to increase by 3,298 persons, reflecting a total increase of 17.7% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Deer Park is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Deer Park has seen approximately 24 new home approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 120 homes. As of FY-26 to date, 10 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been relatively adequate, which is positive for buyers. The average value of new dwellings approved is $438,000, higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $1.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Deer Park records significantly lower building activity, at 56.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, Deer Park's level is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a considerable shift from the current housing mix of 87.0% houses. With around 1025 people per dwelling approval, Deer Park reflects a highly mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Deer Park is expected to grow by approximately 3,278 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Residential Development - Derrimut Gardens Estate, Deer Park Dome Redevelopment, Deer Park Estate, and Avondale Heights - Former TAFE Campus Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be 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 Deer Park lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Deer Park has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 7.8% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year. There were 8,915 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 3.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Deer Park lagged at 63.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 17.3% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and transport, postal & warehousing. Employment specialization was particularly high in transport, postal & warehousing, with a share 2.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services were under-represented at 4.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, while labour force grew by 4.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1 percentage point. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Deer Park's employment mix, local employment is estimated to grow by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Deer Park had a median taxpayer income of $51,033 and an average income of $59,925 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2023 to March 2026 (estimated at 9.62%), current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $55,942 and an average income of around $65,690 in Deer Park as of March 2026. Census data indicates that household income ranks at the 33rd percentile ($1,456 weekly), while personal income sits at the 14th percentile. Income distribution shows that 34.1% of the population (6,319 individuals) falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region (32.8%). Housing affordability pressures are severe in Deer Park, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 31st percentile.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Deer Park, 87.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 12.9% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Deer Park stood at 32.0%, similar to Melbourne metro's rate, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.5% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,689, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Deer Park was $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Deer Park's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Deer Park has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households compose 76.0% of all households, including 36.9% couples with children, 21.5% couples without children, and 15.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.0%, with lone person households at 20.5% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Deer Park fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 23.4%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 28.6% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 18.3%. Educational participation is high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.6% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 70 active transport stops operating within Deer Park. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 16 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 4,445 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 291 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 86%, with train usage at 8%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, some 17.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 635 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 63 weekly trips per individual stop.

Deer Park's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Deer Park residents. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at 51% of the total population (~9,371 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma (6.8%) and diabetes (6.3%). 74.4% of residents declare no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Under-65 population has better health outcomes than average. The area has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,076 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Senior health outcomes are above average, ranking in line with the general population nationally.

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

Deer Park has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 54.4% of its residents born overseas and 63.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Deer Park, comprising 51.7% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented, making up 10.8%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (25.7%), Vietnamese (12.2%), and Australian (10.3%). Notably, Filipino (5.0%) Maltese (4.5%), and Croatian (1.5%) populations are also significantly higher than regional averages.

Deer Park's population is younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Deer Park's median age is nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37, which is modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Deer Park has a higher concentration of 65-74 year-olds at 9.0%, but fewer 15-24 year-olds at 12.3%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 5.8% of Deer Park's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has declined from 13.7% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Deer Park's age profile will evolve significantly. The 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow by 43%, adding 797 residents to reach 2,632. In contrast, the 5 to 14 age group is expected to contract by 121 residents.