Lalor

Population growth drivers in Lalor are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Lalor's population is estimated at around 23,933 people. This reflects an increase of 714 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,219. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 23,815 as of June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,108 persons per square kilometer, placing Lalor in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Lalor is projected to increase by 9,314 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 38.3% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Lalor according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Lalor has seen around 66 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 330 homes were approved, with a further 55 approved in FY26 so far. Despite population decline in recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $447,000, aligning with regional trends. This financial year, $1.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Lalor has significantly less development activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, which is also under the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. New development consists of 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 89.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 477 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Lalor is expected to grow by 9,166 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Lalor 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 32 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Epping Central Renewal Site, 44-46 Derrick Street Townhouses, High Street Walking and Cycling Paths, and Thomastown and Lalor Place Framework. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Lalor faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Lalor has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.9% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of that date, 10,516 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Lalor lagged significantly at 51.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing shows particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services have a limited presence in Lalor with only 5.5% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force grew by 1.4%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5%, labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lalor's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

Lalor's median income among taxpayers was $46,259 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $53,299 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had figures of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively for median and average incomes. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,884 (median) and $59,780 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 23rd percentile ($1,348 weekly), while personal income sits at the 6th percentile. The distribution shows that 31.6% of residents (7,562 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 23rd percentile.

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

Lalor's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lalor was higher at 40.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (31.3%) or rented (28.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,775, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,900 and Australia's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Lalor was $351, less than Melbourne metro's $371 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children (35.9%), couples without children (23.1%), and single parent families (14.5%). Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.8%, with lone person households at 21.6% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 22.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 26.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (16.7%). Educational participation is high at 29.7%, comprising 9.6% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Lalor has a network of 9 schools educating approximately 2,886 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 999) and balanced educational opportunities. The schools include 5 primary, 2 secondary, and 2 K-12 institutions. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Lalor has 78 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 14 different routes, facilitating 8,561 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents on average being located 260 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,223 trips per day, translating to approximately 109 weekly trips per individual stop.

Lalor'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

Lalor's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions somewhat typical of the general population but higher among older cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~11,485 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.2 and 6.7% of residents respectively, while 71.2% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (4,523 people), higher than the 13.2% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Lalor has a population where 50.3% were born overseas, with 66.1% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 50.5%. Islam's representation in Lalor is notably higher at 16.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 9.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (23.3%), Italian (11.1%), and Australian (11.0%). Notably, Macedonian (8.0%) and Greek (7.0%) are overrepresented in Lalor compared to regional averages, as is Vietnamese (5.6%).

Lalor's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Lalor has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 7.0% of Lalor's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort makes up 14.8%, which is lower compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and now, the proportion of the population aged 85 and above has increased from 2.7% to 3.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Lalor's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 58%, adding 1,662 people to reach a total of 4,534 from the current figure of 2,871.