Coburg North

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

Coburg North's population was approximately 8,968 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 543 people from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,425. The growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 8,935 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since then. This results in a population density of 1,837 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Coburg North showed resilient growth with an annual compound rate of 1.8%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.5% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for areas not covered by the former. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas until 2041. Based on these projections, Coburg North is expected to grow exceptionally, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas nationally, with a predicted increase of 4,040 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 44.7% over 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Coburg North according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Coburg North has received approximately 23 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 118 homes from FY-20 to FY-24. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 2 people per year moved to the area for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating healthy demand that supports property values. The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $311,000, aligning with regional trends.

In FY-26, $44.6 million in commercial approvals were registered, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Coburg North has 59.0% lower building activity per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity consists of 44.0% detached houses and 56.0% medium to high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the existing 75.0% houses indicates decreasing developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 524 people per dwelling approval, Coburg North exhibits a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Coburg North is projected to gain 4,007 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.

Coburg North has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may affect this region. Notable ones are Assembly Broadmeadows, Kodak Lands Redevelopment (Merri-bek Gardens Estate), Gaffney St, Coburg North, Coburg North Village and Lincoln Mills Redevelopment. 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.

The employment landscape in Coburg North shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Coburg North has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of September 2025, 5,242 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, 1.7 percentage points below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was 74.0%, comparable to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses showed that 42.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Education & training had a particularly high representation, at 1.3 times the regional level, while construction was lower at 6.9% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

There were 0.6 workers per resident in Coburg North as of the Census, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, labour force grew by 1.5%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and a labour force increase of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coburg North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Coburg North SA2 has a high national median income of $62,133 and an average income of $77,387. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Coburg North are approximately $67,259 (median) and $83,771 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Coburg North cluster around the 64th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 33.4% of the community (2,995 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 64th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Coburg North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Coburg North, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.4% houses and 24.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coburg North was at 30.7%, similar to Melbourne's 30.8%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (38.0%) or rented (31.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Coburg North was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $390 and the national average of $375.

Coburg North features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 68.9% of all households, including 33.0% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.1%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households comprising 6.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Coburg North's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 42.2% hold university qualifications, compared to the SA4 region's 27.7% and Australia's 30.4%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area, potentially opening up knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%).

Vocational pathways account for 24.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 13.3%. Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.1%), tertiary education (7.3%), and secondary education (6.6%).

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

Coburg North has 60 active public transport stops, serving a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are covered by seven individual routes, collectively facilitating 7,366 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 149 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 74%, followed by train at 11% and cycling at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 42.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,052 trips per day, equating to approximately 122 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Coburg North faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is high, with approximately 58% of the total population (~5,201 people) having it. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (10.1%) and asthma (7.8%). About 68.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,207 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Coburg North was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Coburg North has a high level of cultural diversity, with 32.5% of its population born overseas and 34.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Coburg North is Christianity, comprising 41.2% of the population. Islam is notably overrepresented, making up 7.5% compared to the regional average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (18.2%), Australian (17.3%), and Other (14.4%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Italian is overrepresented at 13.0%, Greek at 4.5%, and Lebanese at 2.6%.

Coburg North's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Coburg North is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Coburg North has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (17.6%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.1%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the age group 55-64 has increased from 9.6% to 10.9%, while the age group 85+ has decreased from 4.0% to 3.0%. By 2041, Coburg North's population is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition, with the 45-54 age group projected to grow by 65%, reaching 2,048 people from 1,240.