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

The estimated population of Lara as of February 2026 is around 22,562, an increase of 3,548 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 19,014 in the suburb. This growth reflects an inferred resident population of 21,175 based on AreaSearch's examination of ABS ERP data from June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. Lara's population density is approximately 252 persons per square kilometer. The suburb experienced significant population growth between the 2021 Census and February 2026, with an increase of 18.7%, exceeding the Rest of Vic's growth rate of 8.1%. Interstate migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them using a weighted aggregation method to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends predict exceptional growth for Lara, placing it in the top 10% of national regional areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by 10,386 persons, reflecting an increase of 39.1% over the 17-year period.

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 1,954 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with another 303 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.3 new residents arrive per year per new home over these five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand, stable market conditions, and an average construction value of $376,000 for new properties, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $546.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Lara shows 91.0% 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. With around 50 people per approval, Lara reflects a developing area. Future projections estimate Lara adding 8,830 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Future projections show Lara adding 8,830 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Lara Lakes Estate, Parkview Lara Estate, Austin Lara Master Planned Community, and Ingenia Lifestyle Lakeside Lara. The following list provides details on those projects deemed 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 3.4%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Lara has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.4%. Employment stability over the past year is relatively high.

As of September 2025, 10,574 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is 64.2%, close to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Approximately 20.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Lara specializes in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share nearly double the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.3% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Lara's labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment decreased slightly, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project overall 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 approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Lara had a median taxpayer income of $56,802 and an average income of $67,388. Nationally, the median was $51,497 and the average was $64,718. In Rest of Vic., the figures were $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated median income in Lara as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,488, with the average being around $72,948. The 2021 Census showed incomes in Lara clustered at the 59th percentile nationally. In Lara, 37.9% (8,550 individuals) earned between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the metropolitan region's 30.3%. After housing costs, 86.4% of income remained for other expenses. Lara's SEIFA income ranking was in the 5th decile.

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

Lara's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structures were 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lara was at 31.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (46.8%) or rented (22.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lara was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Lara was $370, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Lara's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent is 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 making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of 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% of residents 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 transport in Lara indicates there are 70 active transport stops currently operating. These consist of a mix of train services. Six individual routes service these stops, collectively facilitating 1,399 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is rated as moderate, with residents typically located at an average distance of 486 meters from the nearest transport stop. As Lara is predominantly residential, most commuting occurs outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 20.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 199 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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 faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~12,066 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but comparable to Rest of Vic at 50.5%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 9.6 and 9.3% of residents respectively. 66.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 13.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,090 people), lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic. 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 the broader regional average, with 85.1% citizens, 82.0% born in Australia, and 88.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Lara, accounting for 48.1%. The most significant overrepresentation is seen in 'Other', comprising 1.7% of Lara's population compared to 0.8% regionally.

The top three parental ancestry groups are Australian (27.9%), English (27.8%), and Irish (8.5%). Notably, Hungarian (0.5% vs regional 0.2%), Dutch (2.2% vs regional 1.7%), and Croatian (1.2% vs regional 0.4%) groups are overrepresented in Lara.

Lara's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Lara is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 16.8% of Lara's population, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 7.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.0% to 17.0%, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 11.7%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 9.0% to 7.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Lara, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 55% (2,081 people), reaching a total of 5,872 from its current figure of 3,790.