Deer Park

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

The population of the suburb of Deer Park is estimated at around 18,623 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 478 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,145 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,580 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,170 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Deer Park has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 3,343 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 17.7% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Deer Park has seen around 24 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years ending June 30, totalling an estimated 120 homes. As of April 6, 2026, six approvals have been recorded in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which could be beneficial for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $438,000, higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development.

In the current financial year, $1.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Deer Park records markedly lower building activity, 56.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This level is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, indicating a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points and suit downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change 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 the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Deer Park is expected to grow by approximately 3,300 residents through to 2041.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include Residential Development at Derrimut Gardens Estate, Deer Park Dome Redevelopment, Deer Park Estate, and Avondale Heights' Former TAFE Campus Redevelopment. Relevant projects are listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Deer Park has a skilled labor force with prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%. As of December 2025, 8,908 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 3.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation was lower at 63.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Approximately 17.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and transport, postal & warehousing. Deer Park had a notable specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 4.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on resident population versus working population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, while the labor force grew by 4.2%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 2.4% and labor force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Deer Park's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Deer Park's median taxpayer income is $51,033 and average is $59,925 in financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages. Greater Melbourne's median income is $57,688 with an average of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $55,243 (median) and $64,869 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth. Census data shows household income ranks at the 33rd percentile ($1,456 weekly), personal income at the 14th percentile. Income distribution reveals 34.1% of Deer Park's population falls within $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Deer Park, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.2% houses and 12.9% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Deer Park was at 32.0%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (37.5%) or rented (30.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,689, lower than the Melbourne metro average of $2,000 and also below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Deer Park was recorded at $350, which is less than the Melbourne metro's $390 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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, which is 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 most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 28.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (18.3%). Educational participation is high at 33.0%, including primary education (11.6%), secondary education (7.8%), and tertiary education (5.1%).

Educational participation is notably 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, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 16 individual routes, collectively facilitating 4,445 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically situated 291 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 86%, while train usage accounts for 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 for Deer Park shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (~9,417 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (6.8%) and diabetes (6.3%), with 74.4% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65 population health outcomes are better than average. Deer Park has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,203 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Senior health outcomes are above average, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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 notably overrepresented, making up 10.8% of the population compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Deer Park are 'Other', at 25.7%, Vietnamese at 12.2%, and Australian at 10.3%. These figures differ significantly from regional averages: 'Other' is substantially higher (25.7% vs 14.6%), Vietnamese is considerably higher (12.2% vs 1.9%), and Australian is notably lower (10.3% vs 18.4%). Additionally, Filipino, Maltese, and Croatian ethnic groups are overrepresented in Deer Park compared to regional averages: Filipino at 5.0% (vs 1.3%), Maltese at 4.5% (vs 1.1%), and Croatian at 1.5% (vs 0.7%).

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 years. This figure is modestly under the Australian median age of 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Deer Park has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 years (9.4%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 years (14.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 4.4% to 6.0%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has declined from 13.7% to 12.0%, and the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has dropped from 17.0% to 15.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Deer Park's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The cohort aged 55 to 64 shows the strongest projected growth, with an increase of 43%, adding 825 residents to reach a total of 2,744. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.