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

Chirnside Park's population was 12,548 as of Feb 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 769 people, representing a 6.5% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,779. The change was inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 12,506 in June 2024 and an additional 72 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 565 persons per square kilometer. Chirnside Park's growth rate exceeded its SA3 area (4.0%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 39.9% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on latest annual ERP population numbers, Chirnside Park is projected to grow by 2,629 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.6% over the 17-year period.

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 moved to the area per dwelling built each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand. However, this has moderated to 1.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting an improved balance. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $385,000.

This year, $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. The current development focus is on higher-density living, with 83.0% townhouses or apartments and 17.0% standalone homes. This shift from the current housing mix of 98.0% houses reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With an estimated 381 people in the area per dwelling approval, Chirnside Park maintains a quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 2,587 residents through to 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that could impact this region. Major initiatives include Chirnside Park Structure Plan, Chirnside Park Shopping Centre Refresh, Brushy Creek Recycled Water Project, and Proposed Cave Hill Railway Station. These are among the most relevant projects.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Chirnside Park has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% in September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%.

As of September 2025, 6,860 residents were employed with workforce participation similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses showed that 26.0% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction has a particularly high concentration with levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 7.2%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4% while labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% with unemployment rising slightly. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% 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 this extrapolation does not account for localised population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Chirnside Park SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,321 with an average level standing at $70,725. This is higher than the national average and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,132 (median) and $76,560 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Chirnside Park cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 34.6% of the population (4,341 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income while strong earnings rank residents within 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with 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 average of $2,000. 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 higher at $443 compared to 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 – advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 24.9%. Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.6% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 4.4% in 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 22 different routes that collectively facilitate 4,352 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 469 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode of transport at 93%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 26%, work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 621 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 111 weekly trips per individual 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 shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence among younger residents. The prevalence of common health conditions is very low among these younger cohorts.

Private health cover is found to be high at approximately 54% of Chirnside Park's total population (around 6,788 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.1 and 8.0% of residents respectively. About 69.6% of Chirnside Park residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. The area has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,354 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. While 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 residents born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Chirnside Park, accounting for 47.4% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 1.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, English (29.1%) and Australian (26.6%) are significantly overrepresented in Chirnside Park compared to regional averages of 20.1% and 18.4%, respectively. Irish ancestry is also present at 7.1%. There are notable differences in the representation of Dutch (2.6%), Italian (5.3%), and Sri Lankan (0.4%) ethnic groups compared to their respective regional averages.

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

The median age in Chirnside Park is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Chirnside Park has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (7.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.8%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the population aged 15-24 increased from 12.0% to 13.5%, while those aged 35-44 rose from 13.8% to 15.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 decreased from 13.0% to 9.8%. By 2041, Chirnside Park's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 43%, adding 671 people and reaching a total of 2,226 from the previous figure of 1,554. The 0-4 age group will experience more modest growth, increasing by 3% with an addition of 21 residents.