Campbellfield - Coolaroo

An assessment of population growth drivers in Campbellfield - Coolaroo reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Campbellfield-Coolaroo's population is 16,819 as of Feb 2026. This shows an increase of 762 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,057. The change is inferred from ABS' June 2024 estimate of 16,438 and 281 new addresses validated post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 924 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.5% to recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's 2023 projections, adjusted using weighted aggregation method. Considering these projections, a significant increase is forecast for the area by 2041, with an expected gain of 5,692 persons, reflecting a total increase of 31.6% over the 17 years.

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

Campbellfield-Coolaroo has seen approximately 35 new homes approved annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 179 homes were approved, with an additional 22 approved so far in FY-26. Despite a decrease in population during this period, the development activity has been relatively adequate, which is positive for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $248,000, below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options. In terms of commercial development, $89.1 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting strong momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Campbellfield-Coolaroo records significantly lower building activity, at 83.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, which is also under the national average, reflecting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 52.0% detached dwellings and 48.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This shows a considerable shift from the current housing mix, which is currently 86.0% houses, due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The estimated population density is 681 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Campbellfield-Coolaroo is forecasted to gain 5,311 residents by 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.

Campbellfield - Coolaroo has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 potential projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Time & Place Campbellfield Industrial Development, Assembly Broadmeadows (twice mentioned), North Melbourne Logistics Hub, and others detailed below, which are likely 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 Campbellfield - Coolaroo face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Campbellfield-Coolaroo has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being prominent. The unemployment rate was 17.1% in September 2025, which is 12.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%.

As of September 2025, 5,157 residents are employed. Workforce participation in Campbellfield-Coolaroo lags behind Greater Melbourne at 47.8% compared to 71.0%. Only 12.3% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Transport, postal & warehousing has a notable concentration with levels at 2.0 times the regional average. Professional & technical services are under-represented at 3.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. There are 1.6 workers for every resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.9% while labour force grew by 2.0%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. National employment forecasts suggest Campbellfield-Coolaroo's employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Campbellfield-Coolaroo SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $43,143 and an average income of $50,341 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national averages, which were $57,688 for median income and $75,164 for average income in Greater Melbourne. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $46,702 (median) and $54,494 (average), based on an 8.25% growth from the financial year 2023 using Wage Price Index figures. The 2021 Census data shows that incomes in Campbellfield-Coolaroo fall between the 1st and 7th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. Income brackets indicate that 30.1% of individuals earn between $800 and $1,499, which differs from patterns across regional levels where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the area, with only 80.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

Campbellfield - Coolaroo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Campbellfield-Coolaroo as per the latest Census data, 85.7% of dwellings were houses, with 14.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Campbellfield-Coolaroo stood at 36.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.0% and rented ones at 31.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in the area was $330, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Campbellfield-Coolaroo's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Campbellfield - Coolaroo has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.6% of all households, including 38.1% couples with children, 16.4% couples without children, and 17.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.4%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Campbellfield - Coolaroo faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.3%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 26.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (16.5%). Educational participation is high, with 35.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.1% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 5.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 9.5% 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

Campbellfield - Coolaroo has 106 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 14 different routes that together provide 6,729 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 258 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 84%, while 9% use trains for their commutes. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 961 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 63 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this analysis, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Campbellfield-Coolaroo faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. The area has an extremely low rate of private health cover at approximately 46% (7,719 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. The most common conditions are arthritis and diabetes, affecting 7.8% and 7.1% of residents respectively. 70.9% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age populations are typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.1% (2,872 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Campbellfield - Coolaroo is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Campbellfield-Coolaroo is among the most culturally diverse areas in Australia, with 49.7% of its population born overseas as of the 2016 Census. In this area, 72.5% speak a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Campbellfield-Coolaroo is Islam, comprising 49.7% of people, compared to 5.6% across Greater Melbourne.

As for ancestry, the top three groups are Other (43.8%), Australian (12.7%), and Lebanese (11.5%). These figures differ significantly from regional averages: Other (14.6%), Australian (18.4%), and Lebanese (0.8%). There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups, including Samoan at 1.0% compared to 0.3%, Vietnamese at 1.9% versus 1.9%, and Maltese at 1.3% compared to 1.1%.

Campbellfield - Coolaroo hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Campbellfield-Coolaroo's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Campbellfield-Coolaroo has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 13.6% to 14.7%, while the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 14.8% to 12.9%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Campbellfield-Coolaroo, with the strongest projected growth occurring among the 45 to 54 age group, which is expected to grow by 45%, adding 844 residents and reaching a total of 2,701.