Delahey

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Delahey is around 8,017, reflecting a decrease of 60 people since the 2021 Census. This decrease represents approximately 0.7% of the total population recorded in the 2021 Census, which was 8,077 people. The current estimated resident population of Delahey is 8,009, as calculated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024. This estimate includes an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio for Delahey stands at approximately 2,284 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch.

Overseas migration contributed significantly to population growth in the area, accounting for approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. For population projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. Where data is not available, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them using a method of 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 approximately 488 persons by the year 2041, reflecting an increase of around 6.0% in total 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 numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Delahey has recorded around 1 residential property granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 7 homes were approved, with no approvals so far in FY-26. The population decline in the area suggests that new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $997,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year, $89,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne, where Delahey has significantly less development activity (94.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent development in the area has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining its 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), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes.

The location has approximately 8014 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Future projections show Delahey adding 479 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 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to influence the region. Notable initiatives 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 relevant.

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

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

Delahey has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate in the area is 6.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.8% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 4,377 residents employed, and the unemployment rate stands at 1.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Delahey is lower at 58.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include retail trade, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has a significant concentration with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have limited presence with only 4.6% of employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment in Delahey increased by 4.8%, while the labour force grew by 5.8%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Delahey. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Delahey's current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.7% over the next five years and 12.2% over the following five years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Delahey had a median income among taxpayers of $44,082. The average income stood at $51,917. This was below the national average of $54,892 and compared to levels of $54,892 and $73,761 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $49,442 (median) and $58,230 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, individual incomes lagged at the 13th percentile with a weekly income of $611, while household income performed better at the 34th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spanned 32.9% of locals (2,637 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 32.8% in the same category. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remained 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, comprised 76.2% houses and 23.7% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, it was 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Delahey was 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,700 and the Australian average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Delahey was $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $346 and 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 constitute the remaining 23.1%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is 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%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 28.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.9% and certificates at 20.0%. Educational participation is high, with 27.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.3% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 5.4% in tertiary education.

The area has two schools serving 2,214 students: Copperfield College and Mackellar Primary School. The ICSEA score is 967, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary and one secondary institution providing conventional educational provision. As an education hub, the area offers 27.6 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 14.2, attracting students from nearby communities.

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 Delahey shows that there are currently 30 operational transport stops. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 5 individual routes providing service. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 2,573.

The accessibility of transport in the area is considered good, with residents typically residing within 200 meters of the nearest stop. On average, there are 367 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 85 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. Common health conditions among the general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,804 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.9 and 6.9% of residents respectively, while 71.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.5% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,587 people), which is higher than the 17.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring 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 highly diverse, with 50.4% born overseas and 62.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Delahey, practiced by 55.5%. Buddhism is notably higher in Delahey 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%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Maltese at 6.2% in Delahey versus 4.6% regionally, Macedonian at 4.5% versus 2.5%, and Filipino at 5.6% versus 3.7%.

Delahey's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Delahey is 39 years, slightly 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 higher proportion of the 55-64 age cohort (14.9% locally) but a lower proportion of the 35-44 age cohort (12.0%). Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group grew from 4.1% to 6.0%, and the 65-74 cohort increased from 10.3% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.5% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Delahey. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 60%, reaching 769 people from 481, with residents aged 65 and older representing 89% of the anticipated growth. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.