Gladstone Park

An assessment of population growth drivers in Gladstone Park reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The suburb of Gladstone Park had an estimated population of 8,131 as of May 2026, a decrease of 82 people compared to the 2021 Census figure of 8,213. This decline was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,129 in June 2025, which considered the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was calculated as 2,106 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of recent population gains in the suburb. AreaSearch's projections for Gladstone Park are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Gladstone Park is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 3,013 persons expected by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 37.0% over the 16-year period.

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

Gladstone Park averaged approximately 13 new dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 65 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved in FY-26. The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $440,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. This financial year, $3.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Gladstone Park has significantly less development activity, with 87.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although building activity has accelerated recently. Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises 46.0% detached dwellings and 54.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Currently, there are approximately 494 people per dwelling approval in Gladstone Park, indicating a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 3,011 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match this growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 14 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Gladstone Park Shopping Centre Refurbishment and Expansion, The Parks Gladstone Park, Greenvale to Attwood Shared Path Project, and Tullamarine Logistics Estate. These projects are likely to have the most relevance in the region.

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

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Employment drivers in Gladstone Park are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Gladstone Park has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate is 5.4%. Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, there are 3759 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 5.4%, which is 0.6% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Gladstone Park is lower at 58.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 22.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and transport, postal & warehousing.

Gladstone Park shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 6.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. During the year to December 2025, Gladstone Park's labour force decreased by 1.4%, alongside a 0.3% employment decline, resulting in a fall of 1.1 percentage points in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a rise of 0.3 percentage points in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gladstone Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Gladstone Park's median income among taxpayers is $47,677. The average income in the suburb is $56,303. This is lower than national averages. Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Gladstone Park are approximately $52,264 (median) and $61,719 (average) as of March 2026. Census data indicates household income ranks at the 32nd percentile ($1,452 weekly), with personal income at the 13th percentile. Distribution data shows 31.0% of individuals in Gladstone Park earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week (2,520 individuals). This aligns with broader area trends where this cohort represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 32nd percentile.

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

Gladstone Park's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gladstone Park stood at 44.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.7% and rented dwellings at 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,961, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Gladstone Park was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Gladstone Park's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Gladstone Park has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 76.4% of all households, including 34.2% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.6%, with lone person households at 21.7% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with Greater Melbourne's average.

Educational outcomes in Gladstone Park fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.8%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 33.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (22.9%). Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.8% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gladstone Park has 32 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 1,401 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is deemed good, with residents on average residing 244 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outside Gladstone Park, primarily using cars at a rate of 92%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, which exceeds the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 22% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 200 trips daily, equating to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

Gladstone Park's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Gladstone Park's health data shows positive outcomes overall, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are relatively low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Private health cover is found in approximately 49% of Gladstone Park residents (~3,997 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.3%) and asthma (7.1%), with 67.3% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65 population health outcomes are better than average. Gladstone Park has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.7% (2,089 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. While senior health outcomes present some challenges, they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Gladstone Park was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Gladstone Park's population consists of 35.9% born overseas and 36.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, with 63.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 43.0%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (18.9%), Other (17.5%), and English (17.2%).

Notably, Lebanese (4.5% vs regional 0.8%), Italian (10.3% vs 5.2%) and Maltese (2.2% vs 1.1%) are overrepresented in Gladstone Park compared to the Greater Melbourne region.

Gladstone Park's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Gladstone Park is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 10.0% of the population in Gladstone Park, compared to a lower prevalence of the 25-34 cohort at 11.9%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.3% to 10.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.3% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Gladstone Park, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 66%, adding 532 people and reaching a total of 1,346 from the current figure of 813.