Delahey

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

The estimated population of the suburb of Delahey is around 7,859 as of May 2026, reflecting a decrease of 218 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,077. This estimate is based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by them since the Census date. The population density in Delahey is 2,239 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Delahey. For future projections until 2041, AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation 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 population of Delahey is expected to increase by 411 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 5.2% over the 16-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 shows Delahey had approximately one dwelling receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling about seven homes. In FY-26 so far, there has been one recorded approval. The population decline in recent years means development activity has been relatively adequate, benefiting buyers while new homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $997,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This financial year, $23.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Delahey has significantly lower building activity, which is 94.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Additionally, this activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction in Delahey has been standalone homes, maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating strong demand for family homes.

With around 8012 people per dwelling approval, Delahey reflects a highly mature market. Future projections estimate Delahey will add 411 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified five projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Delahey Village Shopping Centre Expansion & Refurbishment, Kings Park Reserve Sports Facilities Upgrades, Greenwich Park Estate, and Copperfield Estate. The following list outlines those projects likely to be 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 Delahey lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Delahey has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.4% as of an unspecified past year. Employment grew by an estimated 2.1% during this period, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of December 2025, 4,176 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Delahey was somewhat below the standard at 67.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 16.3% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include retail trade, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance.

The area shows particularly strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, and labour force increased by 4.2%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Delahey. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30th, 2023, the suburb of Delahey had a median income among taxpayers of $44,082. The average income stood at $51,917. This is below the national average which was $57,688 in the same period. In Greater Melbourne, the median and average incomes were $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from June 30th, 2023 to March 2026, current estimates would be approximately $48,323 for the median income and $56,911 for the average income as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, individual incomes lag at the 13th percentile with a weekly income of $611, while household income performs better at the 34th percentile. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 32.9% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with this range including 2,585 residents in Delahey. This pattern is similar to the broader area where 32.8% of residents also occupy this income range. 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 at 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented ones 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 than the Australian average of $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 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, which is 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 the most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, 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

Public transport analysis shows 30 active stops operating in Delahey, with a mix of bus services. These are served by five routes, providing 1633 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 199 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains dominant at 89%, while train use stands at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above regional average.

In 2021 Census data, 16.3% of residents worked from home, possibly reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 233 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 54 weekly trips per 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. AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, finding that 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 (~3,729 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.9 and 6.9% of residents respectively. 71.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of 31st March 2021, the area has 20.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,595 people), which is higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking 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 languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Delahey, accounting for 55.5% of its population. Notably, Buddhism comprises 11.3%, which is 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%). The Other group is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%. Additionally, Maltese (6.2% vs regional 1.1%), Macedonian (4.5% vs regional 0.7%), and Filipino (5.6% vs regional 1.3%) groups are notably overrepresented in Delahey compared to the region's averages.

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 very close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, Delahey has a notably higher percentage of people aged 65-74 (12.5% locally) and a lower percentage of those aged 35-44 (12.2%). According to data from the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group in Delahey has grown from 10.3% to 12.5%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.1% to 6.1%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 45 to 54 has declined from 13.5% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for Delahey indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 50%, reaching 720 people from the current 479. Demographic aging will continue as residents aged 65 and older represent 85% of anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.