Lara

Lara lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around the suburb of Lara, its population is estimated at around 22,225 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,211 people (16.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,014 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 22,196 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 1,853 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 248 persons per square kilometer. Lara's growth of 16.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic.'s (4.3%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future trends, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing Lara in the top 10 percent of national regional areas. The suburb is expected to grow by 10,337 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 46.4% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Lara was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Lara has recorded around 390 residential properties granted approval annually. Approximately 1,950 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 512 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.4 new residents arrive per year for each new home built during these five financial years, indicating a balanced supply and demand dynamic that creates stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new properties is $376,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26 alone, there have been $546.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Lara shows 88.0% higher development activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 51 people per approval, Lara reflects a developing area.

Future projections from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate indicate that Lara is expected to add 10,308 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Lara 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 identified 20 projects likely impacting the area in total. Key projects include Lara Lakes Estate, Parkview Lara Estate, Austin Lara Master Planned Community, and Ingenia Lifestyle Lakeside Lara. 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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While Lara retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.7%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Lara has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.7%, as of December 2025, which aligns with Regional Vic.'s rate. Workforce participation is also similar to Regional Vic., at 61.0%.

According to Census responses, 20.2% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries employing Lara's residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.3% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 7.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, Lara's labour force decreased by 0.3%, while employment also fell by 0.3%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.6% over the same period, with its labour force falling by 0.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 indicates median income among taxpayers in Lara suburb was $56,802 with average level at $67,388. Nationally, this is approximately average and compares to Regional Vic levels of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $62,266 (median) and $73,871 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Lara cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 37.9% of the community (8,423 individuals), consistent with broader trends across metropolitan region showing 30.3% in the same category. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Lara is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Lara, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 10.4% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. Comparing this to Regional Victoria's figures, Lara had a slightly lower percentage of houses at 89.6% versus Regional Vic.'s 90.1%, and a higher proportion of other dwellings at 10.4% compared to Regional Vic.'s 9.9%. Home ownership in Lara was recorded at 31.2%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 46.8% and rented ones comprising 22.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area stood at $1,733, which was higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure for Lara was recorded at $370, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Lara's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also less than the national figure of $375.

Lara features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.0% of all households, including 37.3% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Lara aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.6%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (25.7%). Educational participation is high, with 32.7% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.1% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Lara indicates that there are 70 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of train services and are supported by six individual routes combined. This network facilitates a total of 1,399 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing approximately 486 meters away from the nearest stop. As Lara is predominantly residential, most commuting patterns involve outward travel, with the car being the dominant mode of transportation at 92%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which exceeds the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data, some 20.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages around 199 trips per day, resulting in approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lara is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Lara's health profile shows significant challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 53% of the total population (~11,885 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5%. Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents, while asthma affects 9.3%. 66.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 14.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,155 people), lower than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Lara records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Lara's cultural diversity aligns with its regional average, with 85.1% citizens, 82.0% born in Australia, and 88.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 48.1%. The 'Other' religion category shows overrepresentation in Lara at 1.7%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.8%.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (27.9%), English (27.8%), and Irish (8.5%) are the top groups. Notable ethnic group disparities include Hungarian (0.5% vs regional 0.2%), Dutch (2.2% vs 1.7%), and Croatian (1.2% vs 0.4%).

Lara's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Lara is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Regional Victoria's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 16.0% of Lara's population, compared to Regional Victoria. However, the 65-74 cohort constitutes only 7.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 16.9%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.4% to 11.9% and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 9.0% to 7.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Lara, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 63%, reaching 5,801 people from its current total of 3,556.