Lalor

Population growth drivers in Lalor are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Lalor statistical area (Lv2) is around 23,748, reflecting an increase of 529 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 2.3%. The resident population was last estimated at 23,560 in June 2024 by AreaSearch following examination of ABS data releases. Since the Census date, an additional 120 new addresses have been validated. The current population density is around 3,084 persons per square kilometer, placing Lalor (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch.

The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting 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 and applies adjustments using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecasted for Lalor (SA2). By 2041, a total increase of 9,315 persons is projected based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 39.4% over the 17-year period from 2024 to 2041.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Lalor, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Lalor has seen around 64 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 323 homes were approved, with an additional 43 approved so far in FY-26. Despite a declining population, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average value of new homes being built is $452,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting focus on quality developments. This financial year, $3.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Lalor has significantly less development activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 49.0% detached dwellings and 51.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a shift from the existing housing composition, which is currently 89.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse housing options. The location has approximately 549 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Lalor is expected to grow by 9,352 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 33 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include New Epping, 44-46 Derrick Street Townhouses, High Street Walking and Cycling Paths, and Thomastown and Lalor Place Framework, with further details provided below for most relevant projects.

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

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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. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.8%.

Employment stability over the past year shows relative consistency. The unemployment rate is 3.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags at 51.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing stands out with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Professional & technical services have limited presence, with 5.5% employment compared to the regional 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Lalor's labour force levels increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 0.0%. This resulted in a rise of 0.1 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%, and employment growth outpaces the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Lalor's median income is $46,283 and average income is $53,327. This is below Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for Lalor as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,101 and average income $57,726. Census 2021 data shows Lalor's household income ranks at the 23rd percentile ($1,348 weekly) and personal income at the 6th percentile. Income distribution shows 31.6% of locals (7,504 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to surrounding regions where 32.8% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Lalor, 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, comprised 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lalor stood at 40.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,775, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,900. The median weekly rent in Lalor was $351, compared to Melbourne metro's $371. Nationally, Lalor's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than 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 35.9% couples with children, 23.1% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.8%, with lone person households at 21.6% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. 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 of 22.2%, as of the latest data, is significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 26.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 16.7%. Educational participation is high, with 29.7% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.6% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 5.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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 Lalor shows that there are currently 78 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. The stop locations are serviced by 14 individual routes combined, which collectively facilitate 6,062 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good in Lalor, with residents typically situated approximately 260 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 866 trips per day, equating to roughly 77 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 among its general population being somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% (11,399 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 50.5%. Nationally, it stands at 55.7%.

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 Greater Melbourne's 74.0%. Lalor has 18.9% (4,488 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 13.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require 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 culturally diverse population, with 50.3% born overseas and 66.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Lalor, comprising 50.5% of people. Islam makes up 16.6%, which is higher than 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%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.6% and 4.1%, respectively. Vietnamese people also have a higher representation at 5.6%.

Lalor's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Lalor has a median age of 37, which is equal to Greater Melbourne's figure and comparable to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 7.0% of Lalor's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 14.8%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and present, the 85+ age group has increased from 2.7% to 3.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Lalor's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 59%, adding 1,684 people, reaching a total of 4,534 from its current figure of 2,849.