Delahey

Delahey has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Delahey statistical area (Lv2) is around 8,010 people. This reflects a decrease since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,077 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,282 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Population projections for the Delahey (SA2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. According to these projections, the area is expected to grow by 488 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 6.1% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Delahey shows approximately one residential property granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around seven homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. This area has experienced population decline, suggesting new supply has kept pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is $997,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, $23.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Delahey has significantly less development activity, 94.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's development activity is also under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent development in Delahey has been entirely standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (76.0% at Census), indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes. The location has approximately 8014 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Future projections show Delahey adding 486 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Five projects, identified by AreaSearch, are expected to influence the local area's performance significantly. These include Delahey Village Shopping Centre Expansion & Refurbishment, Kings Park Reserve Sports Facilities Upgrades, Greenwich Park Estate, and Copperfield Estate. The following details projects likely to have the greatest impact on the area.

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.

Delahey shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Delahey has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 7.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4%.

As of September 2025, 4,200 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation lags at 58.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include retail trade, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Transport, postal & warehousing has notable concentration with levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 3.4% while labour force grew by 5.1%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 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 Delahey's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

In financial year 2023, Delahey's median taxpayer income was $44,082 and the average was $51,917. These figures are below the national averages of $57,688 for Greater Melbourne and $75,164 for Melbourne overall. By September 2025, adjusted for an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated median income in Delahey would be approximately $47,719 and average income $56,200. According to the 2021 Census, individual incomes in Delahey lag at the 13th percentile ($611 weekly), while household incomes perform better at the 34th percentile. The predominant income cohort spans 32.9% of locals (2,635 people) with incomes between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region where 32.8% fall into this category. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses.

Delahey is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Delahey, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 76.2% houses and 23.7% other dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's figures of 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings from the same Census date. Home ownership in Delahey stood at 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented dwellings at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Delahey was $1,517 as of this date, lower than Melbourne metro's figure of $1,700. Median weekly rent in Delahey was recorded at $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $346. Nationally, Delahey's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 for this period, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Delahey has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.9% of all households, including 38.2% couples with children, 21.1% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.1%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

Delahey faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has lower university qualification rates at 18.7%, significantly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 14.6% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ possessing them, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (20.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (8.3%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (5.4%).

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

Transport analysis shows 30 active transport stops in Delahey, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five unique routes that together facilitate 1,633 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 199 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 233 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 54 weekly trips per individual stop.

Delahey's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Delahey's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Approximately 47% of Delahey's total population (~3,800 people) have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.9 and 6.9% of residents respectively. 71.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.5% across Greater Melbourne. Delahey has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,585 people), which is higher than the 17.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges and require more attention than the broader population.

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

Delahey's population is 50.4% overseas-born, with 62.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion at 55.5%. Buddhism is overrepresented at 11.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 12.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (21.3%), Australian (11.4%), and Vietnamese (10.9%). Maltese, Macedonian, and Filipino groups are notably overrepresented in Delahey compared to regional averages: Maltese at 6.2% vs 4.6%, Macedonian at 4.5% vs 2.5%, and Filipino at 5.6% vs 3.7%.

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

The median age in Delahey is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Delahey at 14.9%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 12.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.1% to 6.0% of the population, and the 65 to 74 cohort has increased from 10.3% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 13.5% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for Delahey in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. Notably, the 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 60%, reaching 769 people from 480. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 89% of this growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.