Delahey

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Delahey is around 8,010. This figure reflects a decrease of 67 people from the 2021 Census count of 8,077. The current resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 8,008, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of four new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,282 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79% to overall population gains in 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 utilise the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted via 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 these aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Delahey is expected to grow by 488 persons to reach a total population of approximately 8,500 by 2041. This reflects an increase of about 6.1% over the 17-year period.

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 data shows Delahey had around 1 residential property approved annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, approximately 7 homes were approved, with none so far in FY26. The area's population decline suggests new supply has met demand, providing good choice for buyers.

Average construction cost of new properties is $997,000, indicating focus on premium market developments. This year, $23.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing steady investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Delahey has significantly less development activity (94.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's development activity is also under the national average, suggesting established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining traditional suburban character with focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (76.0% at Census), demonstrating robust demand for family homes. Delahey has approximately 8014 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Future projections estimate Delahey adding 486 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Delahey 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 five key projects that may affect this region. These include Delahey Village Shopping Centre Expansion & Refurbishment, Kings Park Reserve Sports Facilities Upgrades, Greenwich Park Estate, and Copperfield Estate. 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.

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 were in work while the unemployment rate was 2.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was 66.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A moderate 16.3% of residents worked from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Dominant employment sectors include retail trade, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has a high concentration with employment 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 offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.4% while labour force grew by 5.1%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, 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. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. 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.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Delahey had a median income among taxpayers of $44,082. The average income stood at $51,917, which is below the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median and average incomes were $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Delahey would be approximately $47,719 (median) and $56,200 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, individual incomes lag at the 13th percentile with a weekly income of $611. Household income performs better at the 34th percentile. In Delahey, 32.9% of locals (2,635 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, consistent with surrounding trends showing 32.8% in the same category. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses.

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

Dwelling structure in Delahey, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 76.2% houses and 23.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Delahey was 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented dwellings at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Delahey was $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Delahey's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 23.1%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.7%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (20.0%). Educational participation is high at 27.9%, with 8.3% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

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

Delahey has 30 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 1633 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 199 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 89% of residents, while 7% use trains. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling in Delahey, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,800 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.9 and 6.9% of residents respectively, while 71.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,682 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally 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 has a population where 50.4% were born overseas, with 62.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Delahey, comprising 55.5% of its population. Buddhism stands out as overrepresented, making up 11.3%, which is substantially higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (21.3%), Australian (11.4%), and Vietnamese (10.9%). Notably, Maltese (6.2%) and Macedonian (4.5%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 0.7%, respectively. Filipino is also notably higher at 5.6% compared to the regional average of 1.3%.

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

The median age in Delahey is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Delahey has a notably over-represented cohort of 65-74 year-olds (12.7% locally), while 35-44 year-olds are under-represented (11.9%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group grew from 10.3% to 12.7%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.1% to 6.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.5% to 10.8%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 15.0% to 13.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Delahey, with the 75 to 84 group expected to grow by 50% (256 people), reaching 769 from 512. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 85% of anticipated growth. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.