Deer Park

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Deer Park's population is estimated at around 18,623 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 478 people (2.6%) 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 with demographic trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 3,343 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 17.7% in total 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Deer Park has averaged around 24 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 120 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes. The average value of new dwellings developed is $438,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This 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. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, Deer Park's level of new building activity is also below average, 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, creating more affordable entry points and suiting 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 AreaSearch's latest 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 area. Key projects include Residential Development - Derrimut Gardens Estate, Deer Park Dome Redevelopment, Deer Park Estate, and Avondale Heights - Former TAFE Campus Redevelopment. Below is a list of 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 Deer Park lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Deer Park has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 7.6% as of an unspecified date, with estimated employment growth of 4.8% over the past year. As of September 2025, 8,934 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Deer Park was 63.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 17.3% of residents worked from home. The key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and transport, postal & warehousing. Employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing was particularly high, with a share 2.1 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 4.9% of Deer Park's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, while labour force increased by 5.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Deer Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase 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 was lower than the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 and the average was $75,164 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,243 (median) and $64,869 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. Census data indicated that household income ranked at the 33rd percentile ($1,456 weekly) and personal income at the 14th percentile in Deer Park. Income distribution showed that 34.1% of the population (6,350 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region's 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures were 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

Dwelling structure in Deer Park, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 87.2% houses and 12.9% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, this was 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Deer Park was 32.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.5% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,689, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent 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 constitute 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 account for 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 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

The analysis of public transport in Deer Park indicates that there are currently seventy active transport stops in operation. These comprise a mix of train stations and bus stops. Sixteen individual routes service these stops, collectively facilitating four thousand four hundred forty-five weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located two hundred ninety-one meters from the nearest transport stop. As Deer Park is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at eighty-six percent, while eight percent use the train.

On average, there are one point four vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, seventeen point three percent of residents work from home; this figure may reflect the conditions of COVID-19. The service frequency averages six hundred thirty-five trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately sixty-three 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

Deer Park's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are standard across age groups, young and old. Private health cover is relatively low at 51% (~9,417 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and diabetes are most common, affecting 6.8% and 6.3%, respectively; 74.4% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Under-65 residents have better health outcomes. The area has 17.0% aged 65 and over (3,165 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes are above average, matching 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's population is culturally diverse, with 54.4% born overseas and 63.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Deer Park, comprising 51.7%. Buddhism is notably higher than the regional average, making up 10.8% of the population compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Other is substantially higher at 25.7%, Vietnamese is significantly higher at 12.2%, and Australian is lower at 10.3%. Additionally, Filipino (5.0%), Maltese (4.5%), and Croatian (1.5%) ethnic groups are notably overrepresented in Deer Park compared to regional averages of 1.3%, 1.1%, and 0.7% respectively.

Deer Park's population is younger than the national pattern

Deer Park's median age is nearly 36 years, closely matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Deer Park has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (9.3%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (14.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 4.4% to 5.9%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has declined from 13.7% to 12.1%. The 25 to 34 age group has also decreased, from 17.0% to 15.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Deer Park's age profile. The 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow by 43%, adding 824 residents to reach a total of 2,743. Conversely, the 5 to 14 group is expected to decrease by 132 residents.