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 ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Nov 2025, Lara's estimated population is around 22,217. This reflects an increase of 3,203 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,014. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 21,175 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024) and an additional 1,652 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 248 persons per square kilometer. Lara's 16.8% growth since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA3 area (7.9%) and the non-metro 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.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to grow by 10,400 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 41.3% 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, allocated from statistical area data, Lara has recorded around 390 residential properties granted approval annually. Approximately 1,954 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 303 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.3 new residents arrive per year for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand and stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new properties is $376,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, there have been $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. This should provide buyers with ample choice and reflects strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Lara's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

With around 50 people per approval, Lara reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Lara is projected to add 9,182 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 in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely to affect the 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 expected to be 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's workforce is skilled with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.4% as of the last reported period.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent based on AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data. As of September 2025, 10,585 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is 0.7 percentage points lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was 61.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.3% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the census working population versus resident population count. In the past year, labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment decreased by 0.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7% and labour force fell by 0.6%. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lara's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Lara suburb had median income among taxpayers at $56,802 and average income at $67,388. Nationally, the median was $54,918 and average was $66,078. Rest of Vic had median at $50,954 and average at $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Lara would be approximately $61,488 (median) and $72,948 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Lara cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. In Lara, 37.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999 annually. After housing costs, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. The area'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 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. had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lara was at 31.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.8% and rented dwellings at 22.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area 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 at $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 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% of the total. 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 and above 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, including 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

Lara has 68 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. There are 6 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 1,399 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 486 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 199 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 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 to a slightly higher degree.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~11,881 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.6% and 9.3% of residents respectively. A total of 66.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 14.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,110 people), 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 in Lara at 48.1%. The most significant overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which constitutes 1.7% of Lara's population compared to 1.2% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (27.9%), English (27.8%), and Irish (8.5%) are the top three groups represented. Notably, Hungarian (0.5%), Dutch (2.2%), and Croatian (1.2%) ethnicities show higher representation in Lara compared to regional averages.

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 and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 16.5% of Lara's population, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 65-74 cohort makes up 7.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 16.4%, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 12.0%, 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 projected to grow by 60% (2,217 people), reaching a total of 5,883 from its current figure of 3,665.