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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Lara's population is estimated at around 22,320 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,306 people (17.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,014 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 21,240, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 1,652 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 249 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Lara's 17.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (6.0%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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. As we examine future population trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national regional areas, is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to grow by 10,398 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 40.7% in total over the 17 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, Lara has recorded around 390 residential properties granted approval annually. Approximately 1,954 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25 inclusive. In FY26 up to now, 193 homes have been approved.

On average, 1.3 new residents arrive per year for each new home built in Lara during these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand scenario with stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $376,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options to purchasers. This financial year has seen commercial approvals totalling $1,000.9 million in Lara, indicating 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 in Lara comprises 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 50 people per approval, Lara reflects a developing area with future projections showing an addition of 9,077 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand in Lara, 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely to impact this area. Notable ones 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.

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.

Employment conditions in Lara remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Lara has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, and there was an estimated 1.9% employment growth in the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 10,402 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is at 61.8%, slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a notable specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.3% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, while labour force grew by 2.3%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9%, labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. 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 and does not consider local population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 indicates that median income in Lara was $56,802 and average income was $67,388. This compares to Rest of Vic.'s median income of $48,741 and average income of $60,693 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.16% from June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Lara would be approximately $63,709 and average income would be around $75,582 by September 2025. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Lara cluster around the 59th percentile nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 37.9% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which is similar to the metropolitan region where 30.3% fall into this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. Lara's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile nationally.

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

Lara's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lara was at 31.2%, with the remaining dwellings 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 $1,712. The median weekly rent figure in Lara was $370, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, Lara's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 25.7%. Educational participation is high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.1% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education. Lara's four schools have a combined enrollment of 2,347 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1005). School places per 100 residents stand at 10.5, below the regional average of 16.7, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Lara has 68 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 8 different routes that collectively facilitate 2,207 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing 486 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 315 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lara is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Lara faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, particularly among older age cohorts, at a slightly higher degree.

Approximately 53% (~11,936 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.6% and 9.3% of residents respectively. 66.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 14.0% (3,124 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 16.8% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader 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, accounting for 48.1%. The 'Other' category shows slight overrepresentation in Lara at 1.7%, compared to 1.2% regionally.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (27.9%), English (27.8%), and Irish (8.5%) are the top groups. Notable divergences include Hungarian (0.5% vs regional 0.3%), Dutch (2.2% vs 2.0%), and Croatian (1.2% vs 1.5%).

Lara's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Lara is 36 years, which is significantly below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 16.5% of Lara's population, higher than Rest of Vic.'s percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 7.7% of Lara's population, lower than Rest of Vic.'s figure. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group grew from 15.0% to 16.5%, while the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.4% to 12.0%, and the 65 to 74 group 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 60% (adding 2,200 people), reaching a total of 5,883 from its current figure of 3,682.