Chirnside Park

Chirnside Park lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Chirnside Park's population was around 12,548 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 769 people, a 6.5% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 11,779. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,506 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 72 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 565 persons per square kilometer. Chirnside Park's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.9%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 39.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, though all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilised VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Demographic trends projected an above median population growth, with the area expected to grow by 2,629 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a 20.6% increase over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Chirnside Park among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Chirnside Park has recorded approximately 104 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 524 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 2 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand. However, recent data shows this has moderated to 1.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting an improved supply-demand balance. New properties are constructed at an average value of $385,000.

This year alone, $60.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Chirnside Park records 119.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. New building activity shows 17.0% standalone homes and 83.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This is a significant shift from the current housing mix of 98.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated count of 381 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Chirnside Park is expected to grow by 2,587 residents through to 2041, according to 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.

Chirnside Park has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 22 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Chirnside Park Structure Plan, Chirnside Park Shopping Centre Refresh, Brushy Creek Recycled Water Project, and Proposed Cave Hill Railway Station. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Chirnside Park well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Chirnside Park has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4% over the past year. This rate is 1.9% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's at 71.0%. According to Census responses, 26.0% of residents work from home. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment levels are particularly high at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.2% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, labour force grew by 0.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chirnside Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch reports median taxpayer income in Chirnside Park SA2 was $58,321 and average income was $70,725 in financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively for Greater Melbourne. By September 2025, estimates based on 8.25% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $63,132 and average income will be around $76,560. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Chirnside Park cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 34.6% of residents (4,341 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional patterns where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income. Residents rank in the 73rd percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Chirnside Park's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chirnside Park stood at 37.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.9% and rented ones at 15.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent in Chirnside Park was $443, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Chirnside Park's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 80.7% of all households, including 40.7% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 19.3%, with lone person households at 17.5% and group households at 1.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Chirnside Park exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 25.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (24.9%). Educational participation is high at 28.1%, with 9.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Chirnside Park has 39 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are served by 22 different routes, facilitating a total of 4,352 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is moderate, with residents living an average of 469 metres from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (93%). On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 26% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 621 trips daily, equating to around 111 weekly trips per stop.

Chirnside Park's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Chirnside Park's health outcomes data shows excellent results, with AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence indicating particularly low figures for younger cohorts. The prevalence of common health conditions is very low among these groups.

Approximately 54% (~6,788 people) of Chirnside Park's total population has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.1% and 8.0% of residents respectively. A total of 69.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. Chirnside Park has 18.2% (2,287 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 14.9%. Although health outcomes among seniors in Chirnside Park are above average, they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Chirnside Park was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Chirnside Park's cultural diversity is above average, with 22.2% of its population born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Chirnside Park, comprising 47.4% of its population. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which makes up 1.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

For ancestry, the top three groups in Chirnside Park are English at 29.1%, Australian at 26.6%, and Irish at 7.1%. These percentages are substantially higher than their respective regional averages of 20.1%, 18.4%, and not provided. Additionally, Dutch (2.6% vs region's 1.2%), Italian (5.3% vs 5.2%), and Sri Lankan (0.4% vs 0.8%) ethnic groups show notable divergences in representation compared to regional averages.

Chirnside Park's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Chirnside Park is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Chirnside Park has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (6.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.4%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 13.8% to 15.2%, while the 15-24 age group has risen from 12.0% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 13.0% to 10.4%. By 2041, Chirnside Park's population is expected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 44%, reaching 2,226 people from 1,540. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is expected to decrease by 22 residents.